At the A1 level, you only need to know that Informatik is a school subject or a job. It is like 'Math' or 'English'. You might say: 'Ich mag Informatik' (I like computer science) or 'Informatik ist interessant' (Computer science is interesting). It is a feminine noun (die Informatik). You don't need to worry about complex definitions yet. Just think of it as the word for 'working with computers' in a school or university context. You might see it on a timetable or a list of hobbies. It's important to remember to capitalize the 'I' because it's a noun. Most A1 learners use it to describe what they study or what their job is in a very simple way. For example: 'Mein Hobby ist Informatik.'
At the A2 level, you can start using Informatik in slightly more complex sentences. You can talk about your skills or your daily routine. 'Ich lerne Informatik in der Schule' (I learn computer science at school). You should know that the person who does this is called an Informatiker (male) or Informatikerin (female). You can also use basic adjectives: 'Informatik ist schwer' (CS is difficult) or 'Informatik ist wichtig' (CS is important). You might also encounter compound words like Informatikkurs (CS course). At this level, you should be able to tell someone that you are interested in this field using the phrase: 'Ich interessiere mich für Informatik.'
At the B1 level, you should understand Informatik as a professional and academic field. You can explain why you chose this field: 'Ich habe Informatik gewählt, weil ich gerne programmiere' (I chose CS because I like programming). You can distinguish between the science (Informatik) and the department (IT-Abteilung). You should be comfortable with the genitive case: 'Die Grundlagen der Informatik' (The basics of computer science). You will likely encounter this word in news articles about technology or in job advertisements. You should also know related terms like Software, Hardware, and Programmierung. This is the level where you start to discuss the role of Informatik in modern society, such as 'Informatik ist die Basis für die Digitalisierung.'
At the B2 level, you can discuss specific branches of Informatik. You might talk about Angewandte Informatik (Applied CS) or Wirtschaftsinformatik (Business Informatics). you can express opinions on complex topics: 'Meiner Meinung nach sollte Informatik ein Pflichtfach in allen Schulen sein' (In my opinion, CS should be a mandatory subject in all schools). You understand the nuances between different technical terms and can use them in a professional debate. You can describe the history of the field in Germany, mentioning figures like Konrad Zuse. You are also expected to use the word in more abstract contexts, such as discussing the ethics of algorithms or the impact of Informatik on data privacy (Datenschutz).
At the C1 level, you use Informatik with academic precision. You can participate in high-level discussions about the theoretical foundations of the field, such as Berechenbarkeitstheorie (computability theory) or Komplexitätsklassen. You understand the stylistic difference between using Informatik and more specific terms like Rechnerarchitektur. You can write essays or technical reports using sophisticated structures: 'Die Informatik fungiert als Katalysator für interdisziplinäre Innovationen' (CS acts as a catalyst for interdisciplinary innovations). You are aware of the subtle cultural connotations of the term in Germany, including the high social status of the Diplom-Informatiker and the rigorous nature of German technical universities.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the term and its vast conceptual network. You can discuss the philosophical implications of Informatik, such as the Church-Turing thesis or the limits of artificial intelligence, with total fluency. You can use the word in rhetorical contexts, metaphors, or highly specialized academic discourse. You understand the historical evolution of the term from its coining by Karl Steinbuch to its current state. You can effortlessly switch between technical jargon and layperson's terms depending on the audience. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native German academic or industry leader, and you can critique the way the field is represented in German public policy and media.

Informatik 30秒で

  • Informatik is the German term for Computer Science, emphasizing the automated processing of information.
  • It is a feminine noun (die Informatik) and is primarily used in the singular form in academic contexts.
  • The field is broad, covering theoretical foundations, practical software engineering, and technical hardware aspects.
  • In Germany, it is a high-status academic discipline with many interdisciplinary branches like Business Informatics.

The term Informatik is the German equivalent of "Computer Science," but its linguistic roots and conceptual scope offer a slightly broader perspective than its English counterpart. Coined in the late 1950s by Karl Steinbuch, the word is a portmanteau of Information and Automatik (or sometimes Technik), suggesting the automated processing of information. In the German-speaking world, Informatik is viewed as a fundamental science that bridges the gap between formal mathematics and practical engineering. It is not merely the study of computers as hardware, but the systematic study of the feasibility, structure, expression, and mechanization of the methodical procedures (or algorithms) that underlie the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication of, and access to information.

The Core Essence
At its heart, Informatik deals with the abstraction of real-world problems into data structures and algorithms. It is the engine driving the digital transformation of society.
Theoretical vs. Applied
German academia distinguishes strictly between Theoretische Informatik (logic, complexity) and Angewandte Informatik (AI, robotics, databases).
The Human Element
Modern Informatik also encompasses Mensch-Computer-Interaktion, recognizing that software must serve human needs and social structures.

"Die Informatik ist die Wissenschaft von der systematischen Verarbeitung von Informationen, besonders der automatischen Verarbeitung mit Hilfe von Digitalrechnern."

— Standard German Academic Definition

Historically, Germany has a proud tradition in this field, with Konrad Zuse building the Z3, the world's first working programmable, fully automatic digital computer, in 1941. This legacy informs how the subject is taught today: with a strong emphasis on engineering principles and formal verification. When you say you study Informatik, you are implying a rigorous academic path that involves deep mathematical understanding, unlike some more vocational "IT" courses found elsewhere. The field is divided into several pillars: Technische Informatik (hardware-oriented), Praktische Informatik (software engineering, operating systems), and the aforementioned theoretical and applied branches.

Ohne Informatik gäbe es kein modernes Internet.

Sie hat einen Master in Informatik von der TU München.

Wirtschaftsinformatik
A very popular hybrid major in Germany combining Business Administration and Computer Science.
Medieninformatik
Focuses on digital media, UX design, and graphics, blending art with technical science.

Die Informatik verändert unsere Arbeitswelt grundlegend.

Using the word Informatik correctly requires understanding its role as a noun representing a field of study or a professional domain. In German, nouns are always capitalized, and Informatik is no exception. Because it refers to a collective science, it is most frequently used in the singular. You will encounter it in academic contexts, job descriptions, and discussions about technological progress.

Grammatical Integration

As a feminine noun (die Informatik), it follows standard declension patterns for feminine nouns. In the nominative and accusative, it remains die Informatik. In the dative and genitive, it becomes der Informatik. For example: "Das Herz der Informatik ist der Algorithmus" (The heart of computer science is the algorithm).

  • Academic Usage: "Ich studiere Informatik" (I am studying computer science). Note that in German, you don't usually need an article when stating your major.
  • Professional Usage: "Er arbeitet im Bereich Informatik" (He works in the field of computer science).
  • Compound Nouns: German loves building long words. You will see Informatikstudium (CS studies), Informatikprofessor (CS professor), or Bioinformatik (Bioinformatics).

When discussing the practical application of the science in a business setting, Germans often switch to the acronym IT. However, if you are talking about the underlying principles, the school subject, or the university degree, Informatik is the mandatory term. For instance, in German secondary schools (Gymnasium), the subject is called Informatikunterricht.

Contextual Nuance:

If you say "Ich brauche Hilfe mit der Informatik," it sounds like you need help with the academic subject. If you need help with your broken laptop, you would say "Ich brauche Hilfe von der IT-Abteilung" (IT department).

Furthermore, Informatik is often paired with adjectives to specify the branch. Technische Informatik refers to hardware and embedded systems. Praktische Informatik refers to software development. Theoretische Informatik refers to the mathematical foundations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for B1 learners moving into professional or academic German environments.

You will encounter the word Informatik in several key areas of German life. The most common is the educational sector. Every major German university (TU - Technische Universität or Uni - Universität) has a Fakultät für Informatik. On campus, you'll hear students discussing their Informatik-Vorlesungen (CS lectures) or their Informatik-Projekte.

In the media, especially in quality newspapers like Die Zeit or FAZ, Informatik is used when discussing the societal impact of technology. Headlines might read: "Wie die Informatik den Arbeitsmarkt revolutioniert" (How CS is revolutionizing the job market). It is treated with a level of respect as a difficult, high-status discipline, similar to physics or engineering.

In the job market, while many job titles are now in English (e.g., Software Engineer), the requirements section will almost always state: "Abgeschlossenes Studium der Informatik oder eine vergleichbare Qualifikation" (Completed degree in computer science or a comparable qualification). If you are looking for work in Germany's tech hubs like Berlin, Munich, or Karlsruhe, this phrase will become very familiar.

Finally, in government and policy discussions, the term is used in the context of Bildung (education). There is a constant debate in Germany about making Informatik a mandatory subject in all schools from an earlier age to combat the Fachkräftemangel (shortage of skilled workers). You will hear politicians talk about "digitale Bildung" and the role of "Informatik-Kenntnisse" (CS knowledge) as a basic cultural technique, like reading or writing.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing Informatik with the general English word "Information." While they share a root, Informatik is a specific scientific discipline. You cannot say "Ich habe eine Informatik für dich" to mean "I have a piece of information for you." For that, you must use Information.

Another common error involves the gender. Because many academic subjects in German end in -ik (Physik, Mathematik, Musik), they are almost all feminine. Learners often mistakenly use the masculine "der" or neutral "das." Remember: Die Informatik.

Using the English term "Computer Science" in a German sentence is also a stylistic mistake. While Germans use many Anglicisms (like Laptop or Download), they rarely use the full English phrase "Computer Science" when the perfectly good German word Informatik exists. Using the English term can make you sound like you are struggling with basic German vocabulary.

There is also a subtle mistake in prepositions. When saying you are good at computer science, use in: "Ich bin gut in Informatik." Avoid using "an" or "mit" in this context. Similarly, when studying at a university, you study an der Universität, but you study the subject Informatik without a preposition: "Ich studiere Informatik."

Lastly, don't confuse Informatik with Informationstechnik (IT). While related, Informatik is the broader science, whereas Informationstechnik often refers specifically to the technical infrastructure and hardware management within a company.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding Informatik, you should be aware of its linguistic neighbors. The most direct synonym in a professional context is Computerwissenschaft, though this is much less common than Informatik and often sounds like a literal translation from English.

For the hardware side, you have Rechnerkunde or Datentechnik. These terms are somewhat old-fashioned but still appear in technical documentation. A more modern and very common term is Softwareentwicklung (Software Development), which is a subset of applied Informatik.

In older German texts or administrative contexts, you might see EDV (Elektronische Datenverarbeitung - Electronic Data Processing). While it sounds dated, many older employees in Germany still refer to the IT department as the "EDV-Abteilung."

Related fields include Künstliche Intelligenz (AI), Datenschutz (Data Protection - a huge topic in Germany), and Kryptographie. Each of these is a specialized branch of Informatik. If you are interested in the intersection of CS and other fields, look for terms like Geoinformatik, Medizininformatik, or Bioinformatik. These "Bindestrich-Informatiken" (hyphenated CS branches) are very common in the German university landscape and represent the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

How Formal Is It?

発音ガイド

韻が合う語
Mathematik, Physik, Musik

難易度

知っておくべき文法

Feminine nouns ending in -ik

Compound noun formation in German

Zero article for academic subjects

Genitive case for 'The science of...'

Preposition 'in' for fields of expertise

レベル別の例文

1

Ich mag Informatik.

I like computer science.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object.

2

Informatik ist mein Hobby.

Computer science is my hobby.

Noun as subject.

3

Ist Informatik schwer?

Is computer science difficult?

Question structure.

4

Wir lernen Informatik.

We are learning computer science.

Present tense plural.

5

Das ist ein Informatik-Buch.

That is a computer science book.

Compound noun with hyphen.

6

Mein Bruder studiert Informatik.

My brother studies computer science.

Third person singular.

7

Informatik macht Spaß.

Computer science is fun.

Common idiom 'macht Spaß'.

8

Wo ist der Informatik-Raum?

Where is the computer science room?

Locative question.

1

Ich finde Informatik sehr interessant.

I find computer science very interesting.

Verb 'finden' + Adjective.

2

Morgen haben wir eine Informatik-Prüfung.

Tomorrow we have a computer science exam.

Time adverbial 'Morgen'.

3

Er möchte Informatiker werden.

He wants to become a computer scientist.

Modal verb 'möchte' + 'werden'.

4

Informatik ist ein wichtiges Schulfach.

Computer science is an important school subject.

Adjective declension 'wichtiges'.

5

Ich brauche Hilfe in Informatik.

I need help in computer science.

Preposition 'in' for subjects.

6

Hast du Informatik-Kenntnisse?

Do you have computer science knowledge?

Compound noun 'Kenntnisse'.

7

Wir programmieren in Informatik.

We program in computer science (class).

Present tense.

8

Informatik ist überall.

Computer science is everywhere.

Adverb 'überall'.

1

Ich habe mich für ein Informatikstudium entschieden.

I have decided on a computer science degree.

Perfect tense with reflexive verb.

2

Informatik ist die Wissenschaft der automatischen Datenverarbeitung.

Computer science is the science of automatic data processing.

Genitive case 'der Datenverarbeitung'.

3

Ohne Informatik würde unser Alltag nicht funktionieren.

Without computer science, our daily life wouldn't work.

Konjunktiv II (Conditional).

4

Sie arbeitet als Informatikerin bei einer großen Firma.

She works as a computer scientist at a large company.

Preposition 'als' for professions.

5

Informatik bietet viele berufliche Möglichkeiten.

Computer science offers many professional opportunities.

Plural object.

6

Das Fach Informatik ist sehr praxisorientiert.

The subject of computer science is very practice-oriented.

Adjective 'praxisorientiert'.

7

Ich lese gerne Artikel über neue Entwicklungen in der Informatik.

I like reading articles about new developments in computer science.

Dative after 'in'.

8

Informatik ist mehr als nur Programmieren.

Computer science is more than just programming.

Comparative 'mehr als'.

1

Die theoretische Informatik beschäftigt sich mit Algorithmen.

Theoretical computer science deals with algorithms.

Reflexive verb 'sich beschäftigen mit'.

2

Informatik-Absolventen haben hervorragende Jobaussichten.

Computer science graduates have excellent job prospects.

Compound noun 'Absolventen'.

3

Die Informatik hat die Art und Weise, wie wir kommunizieren, verändert.

Computer science has changed the way we communicate.

Relative clause.

4

Wirtschaftsinformatik verbindet Technik mit Betriebswirtschaft.

Business informatics combines technology with business administration.

Specific academic field.

5

In der Informatik spielt die Logik eine zentrale Rolle.

In computer science, logic plays a central role.

Inverted word order.

6

Es gibt verschiedene Teilgebiete der Informatik.

There are various subfields of computer science.

Genitive plural.

7

Informatik-Kenntnisse sind heutzutage in fast jedem Beruf nützlich.

CS knowledge is useful in almost every profession nowadays.

Adverb 'heutzutage'.

8

Die Entwicklung der Informatik verlief rasant.

The development of computer science was rapid.

Präteritum (Simple Past).

1

Die Informatik ist heute eine interdisziplinäre Schlüsselwissenschaft.

Computer science is an interdisciplinary key science today.

Complex compound 'Schlüsselwissenschaft'.

2

Ethische Fragen in der Informatik gewinnen zunehmend an Bedeutung.

Ethical questions in computer science are increasingly gaining importance.

Verb phrase 'an Bedeutung gewinnen'.

3

Die Informatik bildet das Rückgrat der modernen Industrie 4.0.

Computer science forms the backbone of modern Industry 4.0.

Metaphorical usage.

4

Fortschritte in der Informatik ermöglichen komplexe Simulationen.

Advances in computer science enable complex simulations.

Plural subject and object.

5

Die Informatik ist eng mit der Mathematik verknüpft.

Computer science is closely linked with mathematics.

Passive-like construction with 'verknüpft'.

6

Informatik-Systeme müssen robust und sicher sein.

Computer science systems must be robust and secure.

Modal verb 'müssen'.

7

Die Informatik treibt die Innovation in der Medizintechnik voran.

Computer science drives innovation in medical technology.

Separable verb 'vorantreiben'.

8

Ein tiefes Verständnis der Informatik ist für die Cybersicherheit unerlässlich.

A deep understanding of CS is essential for cybersecurity.

Adjective 'unerlässlich'.

1

Die Informatik hat die ontologischen Grundlagen unserer Gesellschaft erschüttert.

Computer science has shaken the ontological foundations of our society.

High-level vocabulary 'ontologisch'.

2

In der Informatik manifestiert sich das Streben nach totaler Abstraktion.

The quest for total abstraction manifests itself in computer science.

Reflexive verb 'sich manifestieren'.

3

Die Informatik ist längst über ihre rein technokratischen Ursprünge hinausgewachsen.

Computer science has long outgrown its purely technocratic origins.

Perfect tense with 'hinausgewachsen'.

4

Die theoretische Informatik liefert die formalen Beweise für die Berechenbarkeit.

Theoretical computer science provides the formal proofs for computability.

Specific terminology 'Berechenbarkeit'.

5

Die Informatik fungiert als epistemologisches Werkzeug in der modernen Forschung.

Computer science functions as an epistemological tool in modern research.

Academic term 'epistemologisch'.

6

Die Allgegenwärtigkeit der Informatik führt zu einer Neudefinition von Privatsphäre.

The ubiquity of computer science leads to a redefinition of privacy.

Complex noun 'Allgegenwärtigkeit'.

7

Die Informatik ist die Architektur des Informationszeitalters.

Computer science is the architecture of the information age.

Metaphorical definition.

8

Informatik-Paradigmen unterliegen einem ständigen Wandel.

Computer science paradigms are subject to constant change.

Verb 'unterliegen' with dative.

よく使う組み合わせ

Informatik studieren
Angewandte Informatik
Theoretische Informatik
Technische Informatik
Praktische Informatik
Informatik-Fakultät
Informatik-Professor
Informatik-Kenntnisse
Informatik-Abschluss
Wirtschaftsinformatik

よく混同される語

Informatik vs Information

Informatik vs IT

Informatik vs Mathematik

間違えやすい

Informatik vs

Informatik vs

Informatik vs

Informatik vs

Informatik vs

文型パターン

使い方

academic

Used for the degree and the science.

colloquial

Often shortened to 'Info' in school contexts (e.g., 'Info-Hausaufgaben').

professional

Used in job requirements and titles.

よくある間違い
  • Using 'der Informatik'

    It is a feminine noun.

  • Saying 'Ich habe eine Informatik'

    Informatik is the science, not a piece of data.

  • Translating 'Computer Science' literally

    Computerwissenschaft is rare and sounds unnatural.

  • Confusing with 'IT' in academic settings

    Universities offer 'Informatik', not 'IT' degrees.

  • Lowercasing 'informatik'

    All nouns in German are capitalized.

ヒント

Gender Rule

Nouns ending in -ik are almost always feminine. Think of Musik, Physik, and Mathematik. This will help you remember 'die Informatik' instantly.

Compound Words

Informatik is often the first part of a compound word. Use a hyphen if the second part is also a long noun, like Informatik-Studium, to make it easier to read.

The 'ik' Sound

The final 'ik' is short. Don't stretch it like 'eeek'. It should sound like the 'ick' in 'pick' but with a clearer 'i' sound.

Data Privacy

When discussing Informatik in Germany, always mention 'Datenschutz'. It is a core part of the technical culture and very important to Germans.

Capitalization

Never forget to capitalize Informatik. In German, failing to capitalize nouns is a major spelling error, unlike in English.

Shortening

Students often say 'Info' instead of 'Informatik'. 'Ich hab gleich Info' means 'I have a CS class soon'. Use this to sound more like a local student.

Job Titles

Even if the job title is 'Developer', the degree required will be 'Informatik'. Look for this keyword in job descriptions.

Mathematical Link

Treat Informatik like a branch of math when studying. The logic used in German CS is very formal and rigorous.

German Tech News

Read 'Heise Online' or 'Golem.de' to see how the word Informatik and its derivatives are used in real-world tech journalism.

暗記しよう

語源

German

文化的な背景

Privacy is a huge part of German Informatik culture (GDPR/DSGVO).

Inventor of the Z3, often cited in German Informatik classes.

A famous German hacker association influential in the field.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

会話のきっかけ

"Was hältst du von Informatik als Schulfach?"

"Hast du jemals überlegt, Informatik zu studieren?"

"Welchen Bereich der Informatik findest du am spannendsten?"

"Glaubst du, Informatik ist schwerer als Mathematik?"

"Wie hat die Informatik deinen Job verändert?"

日記のテーマ

Beschreibe, wie Informatik deinen Alltag beeinflusst.

Warum ist Informatik wichtig für die Zukunft?

Wenn du ein Informatik-Projekt starten könntest, was wäre es?

Ist Informatik eine Kunst oder eine Wissenschaft?

Meine Erfahrungen mit dem Informatik-Unterricht.

よくある質問

10 問

Informatik ist die wissenschaftliche Disziplin und das Studium der Grundlagen. IT (Informationstechnik) bezieht sich meist auf die praktische Anwendung und Verwaltung von Computersystemen in Unternehmen. Informatik ist theoretischer, IT ist praktischer.

Das hängt von der Person ab, aber es erfordert viel logisches Denken und mathematisches Verständnis. Viele finden die Grundlagen einfach, aber die fortgeschrittene Theorie sehr anspruchsvoll. In Deutschland gilt das Studium als eines der schwersten.

Ja, Mathematik ist eine der wichtigsten Grundlagen der Informatik. Besonders Logik, Diskrete Mathematik und Statistik spielen eine große Rolle. Ohne ein gutes mathematisches Verständnis ist ein Informatikstudium in Deutschland kaum zu schaffen.

Man kann Softwareentwickler, Systemadministrator, Datenanalyst, KI-Spezialist oder IT-Berater werden. Die Möglichkeiten sind fast grenzenlos, da jede Branche heute Informatiker braucht. Auch Forschung und Lehre sind wichtige Bereiche.

Das kommt auf das Bundesland an. In einigen Bundesländern ist es ein Pflichtfach, in anderen nur ein Wahlpflichtfach. Es gibt jedoch eine starke politische Bewegung, Informatik bundesweit als Pflichtfach einzuführen.

Man sagt einfach 'Informatik'. Das Wort 'Computerwissenschaft' existiert zwar, wird aber im Alltag und in der Wissenschaft fast nie verwendet. 'Informatik' ist der Standardbegriff.

Es ist eine Mischung aus Informatik und Betriebswirtschaftslehre (BWL). Man lernt, wie man IT-Systeme nutzt, um Geschäftsprozesse zu verbessern. Es ist einer der beliebtesten Studiengänge in Deutschland.

Der deutsche Ingenieur Karl Steinbuch hat das Wort 1957 in einem Aufsatz geprägt. Er kombinierte die Begriffe Information und Automatik. Später wurde es international übernommen.

Nein, Programmieren ist nur ein Werkzeug der Informatik. Die Wissenschaft umfasst auch Hardware-Design, Netzwerktheorie, Datenbanken, Künstliche Intelligenz und vieles mehr. Es ist viel breiter als nur Code zu schreiben.

Ja, Universitäten (Uni) sind meist theoretischer und forschungsorientierter. Fachhochschulen (FH) sind praxisorientierter und bereiten direkter auf den Arbeitsmarkt vor. Beide Abschlüsse sind jedoch sehr wertvoll.

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